Around Pittsburgh – Page 5 – Parmesan Princess

07
Aug
2014

Fish Week! Penn Avenue Fish-ish Fish Tacos!

categories: 20 Minutes or Less, Around Pittsburgh, Healthy Living, Learn From An Expert, Recipes, Shopping

I absolutely love fish tacos, any kind of tacos, and I’m always searching for the best! Between Penn Ave Fish Company’s fish tacos and Edgar’s Taco stand’s Carne Asada tacos, I am a happy girl.

Edgar's Tacos 21st and Penn in the Strip! Carne Asada Taco! — Edgar’s Tacos 21st and Penn in the Strip! Carne Asada Taco!

I eat some form of taco every time I’m in the Strip District! (And Penn Mac olives and cheese and La Prima coffee and Colangelos pizza and Pittsburgh Popcorn Company) Yikes!

When these two are with me we usually end up at Penn Ave Fish for fish tacos!

Anyway, every fish taco is different; made with different fish, cooked plain or spicy, stuffed with lettuce or cabbage, and the list goes on. Penn Ave Fish Company uses a variety of fish, boiled in onion water, totally spicy, stuffed with cabbage, topped with tomatoes…and they are delicious!

I visited my fish mongers at Penn Avenue Fish Company and told them, for Fish Week on the blog, I wanted to make amazing fish tacos like the ones they make everyday! They chopped fresh grouper, salmon, and tuna, ready to cook. This saved me the fish choosing process, of which I am totally clueless, and the chopping time for sure! This is why you need a good fish monger!

Doesn't get much fresher than this! — Doesn’t get much fresher than this!

Penn Avenue Fish-ish Fish Tacos
(makes 6ish tacos)

Ingredients:
1-1/2 lbs. chopped tuna, grouper, and salmon
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp. taco seasoning
4 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup chunky medium salsa (I used Ortega)
2 tbsp. Sriracha sauce
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 chopped tomato
Chopped cilantro
6 tortilla shells

Directions:
Fill a pot with water and chopped onions.

Bring to a boil.

Add fish.

This is what I brought home! Chopped and ready to go!

Cook until the chopped fish floats (5-8 mins, not long!)

Remove fish with a slotted spoon to drain water.

Place fish in a mixing bowl and coat with taco seasoning while warm.

Quick and easy meal! On the table in less than 30 minutes !

Mix together the sour cream, salsa, and sriracha in a small bowl.

Fill the tortilla shells with shredded cabbage, tomatoes, fish and sauce! Sprinkle some cilantro!

I got my fix, but Penn Ave Fish Company is the best in the Burgh! — I got my fix, but Penn Ave Fish Company makes the best in the Burgh!

Enjoy!
Ciao!

06
Aug
2014

Fish Week!! Shrimp Jambalaya Over Red Quinoa!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Dinner, Healthy Living, Learn From An Expert, Recipes, Shopping

Ever hear of Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch? If you are worried about seafood safety, this is your app! Whether you are buying fresh fish or ordering in a restaurant, the Seafood Watch app recommends ocean friendly seafood and gives up to date information regarding how each item should be fished or farmed.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/seafood-watch/id301269738?mt=8

My fish mongers at Penn Avenue Fish Company in Pittsburgh’s Strip District introduced me to this cool app! Have you found your fish monger, yet?

Enjoy another easy fish week dinner! On the table in 30 minutes!!

Shrimp Jambalaya

Ingredients:
2 cups shrimp, cleaned and deveined.
1 35 oz. can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
1 tbsp. chopped thyme
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 15oz. can white cannellini beans
2 tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. chili powder
Salt/pepper
1 tsp. Red pepper flakes ( and a little extra to sprinkle on top)

Directions:
Heat olive oil in your deepest frying pan on medium heat.

Add garlic, onions, pepper and cook for a few minutes to soften the veggies.

Remember, if the heat is too high you will burn the garlic! Start over it will ruin the dish. — Remember, if the heat is too high you will burn the garlic! Start over! No shame. I do this weekly.

Add tomatoes, shrimp, beans, herbs, and spices.

Let it cook and stir after a few minutes. Mix up the shrimp so they cook evenly. Shrimp on the bottom will cook faster.

Cook until shrimp are cooked through -approximately 7 minutes with the lid on. The shrimp will lose their translucency and pink/whiten up when cooked.

Red Quinoa
Directions:

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained, for 1-1/2 cup water.
Heat water and quinoa to a boil.
Simmer until liquid is absorbed.

Serve the shrimp jambalaya over the red quinoa and top with extra red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

I have been watching "Beat Bobby Flay," have you? This dish could totally win! Delicious! — I have been watching Food Network’s “Beat Bobby Flay,” have you? This dish could totally win! Delicious!

Ciao!

Penn Avenue Fish Company
2208 Penn Ave. in the Strip
http://pennavefishcompany.com/fresh_fish.html

05
Aug
2014

Fish Week! Grilled Foil Packet Tilapia And Spicy Grilled Green Beans!

categories: 20 Minutes or Less, Around Pittsburgh, Dinner, Grill, Healthy Living, Learn From An Expert, Recipes, Shopping

Why are we scared of fish? Is it our lack of fish knowledge? Our ability to overcook fish EVERY TIME!? (Yep, this was me!)
Meet Henry Dewey, co-founder of Pittsburgh’s hip fish market/restaurant Penn Avenue Fish Company! Pittsburgh is lucky to have Henry and his team of fish mongers!

These guys know their stuff, always providing excellent customer service as well as the highest quality product. Mark Clowney, left, Henry Dewey, right.

Henry explained that everyone needs a knowledgeable fish monger to navigate them through the fish buying ocean. “Find someone you can trust,” Dewey says, “and build a loyal relationship.” That way, there is no question about the origination or freshness of the fish.

Tilapia is a great starting point when introducing fish into your cooking. Talapia is not fishy and it is easy to determine when it is cooked. — Tilapia is a great starting point when introducing fish on your menu. Tilapia does not have a fishy taste and is easy to determine when it’s cooked.

Grilled Foil Packet Tilapia

Ingredients:
1lb 8oz.-or 6 count tilapia fillets (thawed if fresh frozen)
1 large tomato chopped
2 cloves of garlic, roasted (foil packet on grill for 3- 5 mins. during grill heat up) and finely chopped
4 tbsp. olive oil
6 very small, thin pats of butter
Freshly grated parmesan
Course salt/pepper

Directions:
Heat grill to medium heat 300-350 degrees.

Place tilapia fillets on 6 aluminum foil sheets large enough to fold and seal.

Looking for portion control help? The packet grilling method ensures portion awareness!

Top each fillet with 1/2 olive oil, 1 small pat of butter, 1/6 chopped tomatoes, 1/6 roasted garlic,a shake of freshly grated parmesan, salt and pepper.

Fold foil to seal packets.

I chose to add chopped tomatoes to my packets this time. The fish is delicious with or without them!

Place packets on the grill for 5-7 minutes or until the fish flakes and turns white, losing its translucency. (I guess that’s a word! Ha!)

Place packets a few inches apart on the hottest part of the grill- the lower grate.

Perfect! The fish flakes when poked with a fork and has turned an opaque white! Done!

Spicy Grilled Green Beans

Mix one pound of fresh green beans with 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp. Sriracha in a Ziploc bag.

Coat the beans in the bag.

Place beans evenly on your grill’s vegetable grate or foil.

Cook for 5 -7mins. or until cooked and hot, but still crunchy.

Grilling vegetables on the tray or right on the grill give them the extra char! — Grilling vegetables on the tray or right on the grill gives them the extra char!

Enjoy!

Ciao!

Stop in and try the fish tacos! The kids and I think they are the best in the Burgh!
http://pennavefishcompany.com/home_strip.html
2208 Penn Ave. in the Strip!

31
Jul
2014

Maniac Magazine Mom Contest And A Parmesan Princess Secret…Shhhh!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Shopping

For the last week, I have been entered as a contestant in the Maniac Magazine Mom Contest. The rules are:
#1)photo gets likes through Facebook
#2)the magazine chooses one winner out of the three with the most votes
#3) the winner gets a Body Beautiful Medi Spa and Whitehouse Salon prizes as well as a spread in the magazine

What a great way to promote Parmesan Princess! In Maniac Magazine!

Here is the link! Please like the photo to cast your vote!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=341420042682173&id=287423194748525

Now for my secret…
For everyday use, I have a box-o-olive oil in my pantry! Yes, this exists! Corto Olive Co.

Get it here:
http://www.pennmac.com/items/5510//gourmet-domestic-olive-oils

I buy great bottles of olive oil for drizzling, dressings, and for use where the grassy, expensive olive oil taste is necessary. For starting sauce in a pan with garlic? Box, totally!

My favorite special olive oil, Katz. Get it here:
http://www.pennmac.com/items/3220//katz-chef-pick-organic-olive-oil

Like wine in a box, the olive oil stays fresh and appeals to those who use a lot!! 102 FL OZ. of fresh, extra virgin olive oil! “Family Grown and Cold Pressed in California’s Fertile Central Valley!”

Thank You!
Ciao!

28
Jul
2014

Easy Summer Grilling- BBQ Baby Back Ribs and Grilled Asparagus!

categories: Dinner, Grill, Recipes, Recognition

Cook quick, easy, healthy and delicious meals for your family on the grill all summer long! All you need is a great marinade or BBQ sauce recipe and a side dish! Here is one of my favorites this summer! (I have served this meal more than 4 times already!!)

Amazing ribs! It's all in the sauce! — Amazing ribs! It’s all in the sauce!

BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Inspired by Mario Batali’s Kicka$$ BBQ sauce -My way!
Makes 3 cups

Ingredients:
1 medium onion
6 garlic gloves, finely chopped
2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup water
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. tomato paste
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 tbsp. molasses
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. dijon mustard
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. Tabasco or hot sauce (I used Sriracha)

Here is my edit:
2 cups of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce instead of ketchup
1 cup of orange juice instead of lemon juice
No molasses
4 tbsp. brown sugar
Sriracha instead of Tabasco

Put everything into a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil.

Simmer for 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and cool. Keep sealed and refrigerated for up to one week!

Use this sauce to marinate ribs overnight.

Heat grill to 350 degrees.

Place ribs on grill and coat with sauce.

Grill for 8 mins. and flip, coating with sauce again.

Cook for an additional 5 mins. or until juices run clear.

Don't forget to top with fresh grated parmesan! — Don’t forget to top with fresh grated parmesan!

Grilled Asparagus:

Cut hard bottom inch off of asparagus.

Add 2 tbsp. olive oil, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese salt, pepper, and asparagus to a Ziploc bag.

Grill asparagus on a grill vegetable tray or on aluminum foil.

Cook until the asparagus can be poked with a fork, but is still crisp!

Enjoy!
Ciao!

20
Jul
2014

Family Photos: I Found You A Photographer…Now What??

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Fashion, Fun for Kids, Shopping

Family photos, what to wear? Should we all wear white or all wear black? Please don’t! Style your session, show your family members’ individual personalities, and watch them shine!
Our latest family photos were taken by the amazing Amy Wilson of Amy Wilson Photogrpahy www.amywilsonphotography.com. When I asked her what she wanted us to wear, she suggested a styled session.

I originally peeked at clickitupanotch’s styling tips!
http://clickitupanotch.com/2013/10/what-to-wear-in-family-photos-5/

Here are my top 5…

Styled Session Tips:

1. Choose the most colorful, patterned article of clothing and match other articles around that piece.

2. Don’t be afraid to use different hues of the same color.

3. Use different textures, they pop in the photos.

4. Use statement pieces- necklaces, earrings, or hair accessories to bring in a vibrant color.

5. Be comfortable! Uncomfortable models equals uncomfortable looking photos!

I let Bella, age 3, choose something she wanted to wear first because she is the most difficult! Ha! She chose a top by Pittsburgh Boutique Clothier, Miss Priss Kids.
https://facebook.com/missprisskids Bella chose her favorite Miss Priss piece, a swing top with different textures and beautiful patterns and colors.

Her choice gave us so many other color options! Blues, yellow, gold, white, purples... — Her choice gave us so many other color options! Blues, yellow, gold, white, pinks, and purples…

I chose a slightly darker pink dress with tiny navy polka dots for myself with a beautiful yellow statement necklace and a similar hue in my shoes. To even out the brightness, Brady, age 5, wore an adorable relaxed blue dress shirt and dark grey beach pants from H&M. The blues and greys complement the pinks and purples from the girls. Since Brady had a light shirt and dark pants, I alternated with Kevin, giving him a dark blue shirt and light tan shorts.

This outfit is totally Brady! Relaxed, stylish and handsome. He can pull anything off.

Amy captured our personalities, styles, and memories from this moment in our lives. She is an amazing, talented photographer!

Amy is so talented! Laying in the grass, in the weeds...she gets the shot! — Amy is so talented! Laying in the grass, in the weeds…she gets the shot!

See for yourself…

Thank you Amy Wilson Photography for the gorgeous photographs!
To see more photos visit Amy’s blog! And “Like” Amy Wilson Photography on Facebook!

http://amywilsonphotography.com/2014/07/the-dowd-family/

She will not be affordable for long! I promise!

Ciao!

15
Jul
2014

NOLA On The Square’s Reopening Is Here! Pittsburgh’s Taste Of New Orleans!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Restaurant Review

NOLA On The Square, Pittsburgh’s taste of New Orleans, is located in Downtown’s quaint brick road Market Square. After a 6 month fire damage repair hiatus, NOLA reopened its doors today and we were thrilled to be a part of the excitement!

Looks great on the outside. Taste great on the inside! NOLA on the square reopens with new menu offerings! — Looks great on the outside. Tastes great on the inside! NOLA on the square reopens with new menu offerings!

Keeping the menu favorites of old, NOLA has a few new surprises up their sleeve!
Flatbread pizzas topped with ricotta, a chicken panini, smoked tomato soup, and many more! Definitely some new menu offerings for those who don’t care for a Creole/Cajun kick. I tried the Roast Beef “Debris” Po Boy for lunch.

NOLA's Roast Beef "Debris" PoBoy is amazing! A new item to try! — NOLA’s Roast Beef “Debris” Po Boy is amazing! A new item to try!

The roast beef is marinated with a New Orleans rub for 24 hours and it is served on a fresh, super soft Mancini’s hoagie roll, and topped with pickles, sprouts, and horseradish aioli. The Mancini’s roll made the sandwich for me! There is nothing worse than a sandwich with delicious ingredients served on a rock hard roll!

The kids and I sat outside and enjoyed people watching and the hum of the jazz music in the background. The servers were attentive and enjoyed the monkeys (I think). Unfortunately, we were never offered dessert! We definitely would have tried something sweet!

My little foodies were happy! When asked about returning to NOLA to dine, Brady , age 5, responded, "Oh Yeah! See you soon!" — My little foodies were happy! When asked about returning to NOLA to dine, Brady, age 5, responded, “Oooooooh Yea! For sure! See you soon!”

We are happy to have NOLA On The Square back in business and we can’t wait to try something new next time!

Ciao!

07
Jul
2014

Sirena Taco Joint and Bar McMurray, PA My Review!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Restaurant Review

Sirena Taco Joint and Bar is nestled in the Donaldsons Crossroads shopping plaza off of Route19 in McMurray! Almost a secret location, the urban warehouse dining area shifts gears into a great outdoor space! Yes, a full patio with a tiki “swim up” bar in the center gives you a Mexican beach feel!

So what do you get when you take Chef John Bingham from Nine on Nine and an awesome sous chef from Butcher and the Rye? A sexy Mexican restaurant in Peters Township, of course! Their taco menu will make you dizzy with choices. Owner Doreen Valentine, former owner of Dozen Cupcakes, really snagged a great chef! I secretly wish they had a cupcake dessert menu to match! Now there’s an idea, Doreen!

I have never seen such an extensive taco menu! Vegetarian, vegan, tofu, crab, lamb, pork...endless options! — I have never seen such an extensive taco menu! Vegetarian, vegan, tofu, crab, lamb, pork…endless options!

First time to the new spot earned us a $5 gift card for a future visit! A little bold, right? Nope. Totally confident, as they should be.

We stumbled in on $5 Mojito Mondays! Lucky us! On the left is my beautiful friend Nikki Gasbarrini who ordered a blueberry Mojito! Super fun, right?

We started off with the guacamole which is made to order and the chips and salsa…

The kids’ portions were huge! As parents, we love this because the kids aren’t asking for another meal or dessert while we are relaxing.

Bella's chicken tacos. The boys had already started gobbling down their quesadillas! No photo, sorry! — Bella’s chicken tacos. The boys had already started gobbling down their quesadillas! No photo, sorry!

Kevin ordered the Pittsburgh taco…

A very popular menu item, the Pittsburgh taco contains grilled steak, spiced fries, Sriracha ranch cole slaw! Kevin loved it!

The rest of us enjoyed the Carne Asada tacos, which are a seared flank steak, yellow rice, garlic and salsa. The steak was cook perfectly showing dark pink in the center!

I was torn between the various fish taco options and this favorite! Next time I will go fish!

Will there be a next time? Yes! No kids and outside!

Ciao!

Sirena Taco Bar
724-260-0329
Dine In and Take Out
Sunday-Thursday 4pm-10pm
Friday-Saturday 4pm-Midnight
3909 Washington Road
McMurray, PA 15317

03
Jul
2014

Clothes Mentor Girls Night Out! A Bargain Shopper’s Dream!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Fashion, Shopping

Consignment stores are not really my thing. I’m not big on wearing a stranger’s old shirt. But when over half of the items still have store tags, sign me up!!
I met Bethany, www.saltyblonde.com, at the Girls Night Out party at our local Clothes Mentor to check it out.

Bethanny and I share a love for fashion and bargains! Oh yeah, and scarves!

I was greeted at the door with a chance to win a coral leather $458 Coach bag. So I filled out the ticket and started shopping!
Our first stop was a scarf wall!

The shoes were at the top of all the clothes racks and most were brand new! Vera Bradley flip flops with tags were $14! Brand name clothing items from Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, JCrew, Splendid, Paper Denim Co, True Religion, JBrand and even Tory Burch were hanging everywhere!

Cindy Martin, Clothes Mentor franchise owner, explained that they are very picky when selecting items to resell, and buyers appreciate it!

Clothes Mentor franchise owner Cindy Martin also owns the teen brand consignment store Plato’s Coset next door Bridgeville, PA

Cindy told me women love this store’s cash at drop off policy , meaning a consignor doesn’t wait for items to sell to get paid! Cindy explained that they accept all seasons all the time and items with store tags move quickly! Her Girls Night Out events have been a huge success.

Cindy offers customers an extra 20% off during GNO and a giveaway item of value!
While I was putting together an outfit I heard them announce the winner of the $458 Coach purse …it was me!

Super cute bag! Thanks!

Here is the outfit I put together.

Pairing a bubble skirt with a wedge adds an edge to the feminine pump look.

These brand new Seychelles Los Angeles chartreuse wedges were a great fashion find and a steal at $13! The brand sells in LA shoe boutiques for $95-$150!

I will be taking a bin of clothing to Clothes Mentor soon to see how much money I am offered. Have you consigned clothing? Every been to a Clothes Mentor? I would love to hear about your experience!

Ciao!

06
Jun
2014

I’ve Got A Cheese That Will Kick Your Graskaas!

categories: Around Pittsburgh, Healthy Living, Shopping

Beemster Graskaas, sounds like someone needs their mouth washed out with soap!! Beemster is actually a Dutch cheese company and Graskaas is Dutch for “grass cheese!” This seasonal, super creamy cheese is created every Spring after the Beemster cows leave their barn and feed on the fresh, Spring grass. Only their first milk is used to make Graskaas!

The village of Beemster is the only co-op left in Holland in which cheese curds are stirred and raked by hand! The CONO cheesemakers co-op has been making delicious cheese since 1901!

Only 2,000 wheels of Graskaas are produced in Beemster, Holland, and only 1,000 are shipped to the US! So it must be really expensive, right? Nope! Your average $13.99/lb! Less than my Parrano for sure!

How did I find this cheese? I was having a dinner party and searching for something new! Carol, the Pittsburgh legend Dear Heart of Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, had me taste it and told me the Graskaas story! I enjoyed telling the story and having everyone sample the cheese!

A seasonal treat, Beemster's Graskaas is sold mid-May until it's gone! — A seasonal treat, Beemster’s Graskaas is sold mid-May until it’s gone!

Get your Graskaas today!
Graskaas and Date Salad Recipe!
Click link for the recipe!
http://www.pennmac.com/items/4471//beemster-graskaas-cheese-holland

Our guests enjoyed the cheese and the story!

Graskaas has a very mild and creamy flavor. Aged for only one month before being sold, it is the opposite of my usual pungent hard cheese taste. I give my new soft cheeses the Grilled Cheese Test! And Beemster’s Graskaas got an A+ for meltability and creaminess!

Ciao!

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Category: Around Pittsburgh